Pro-Russian Slovak PM Fico Meets Putin in Rare EU Leader Visit Amid Ukraine Gas Transit Halt

Dec 22, 2024, 04:40 PM

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on December 22, 2024, to discuss Russian gas supplies and transit. The visit, a rare occurrence of an EU leader meeting with Putin since the war began, comes as Ukraine plans to halt the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia and other parts of Europe starting January 1, potentially creating serious energy supply issues for Slovakia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic had earlier revealed Fico's plans to visit Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting, which was planned days in advance, and suggested that discussions might involve Russian gas transit.